Blog Archives
Taj’s Sabbatical-Book One, Sol System Enforcer Chronicles
Taj’s Sabbatical takes readers on a high-octane journey through the Sol System, blending futuristic sci-fi elements with themes of loyalty, family, and the burdens of duty. At its core, the story follows Taj Varna, an elite Enforcer on a reluctant sabbatical, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes the target of multiple assassination attempts. The plot thickens with a web of intrigue, including advanced cloning, political machinations, and deeply personal stakes as Taj’s loved ones are drawn into the crossfire.
The authors paint a vivid picture of a futuristic society where technology shapes not only transportation and warfare but also the very fabric of identity. The creative detailing of synthetic companions, like Sammy, adds a layer of realism, while the darker aspects, such as unregistered clones and private ARKs, hint at the ethical dilemmas of this advanced society. These elements ground the story, making its speculative fiction feel eerily plausible. At times, the prose is crisp and engaging, pulling you into Taj’s adrenaline-filled world. The narrative occasionally veers into over-explanation. Sammy’s frequent infodumps about cloning or tech systems, while fascinating, can disrupt the pacing. Balancing technical exposition with plot momentum would elevate the storytelling.
The relationships in the book are a delightful counterpoint to its action-heavy narrative. Taj’s bond with Sammy, his synthetic companion, is both humorous and heartfelt. Their banter—like Taj teasing Sammy about his sense of humor—brings levity and warmth. Likewise, the backstory of Taj and Taddy’s romance, orchestrated by the matchmaking Queen Madelaine II, adds emotional depth. That said, I wanted more insight into Taj’s internal conflict as he grapples with protecting his loved ones while facing threats from every corner of the Sol System. The book’s climax left me eager for more, especially with the revelations about Fencer, Taj’s enigmatic father, whose unembodied consciousness still manipulates events. The layers of mystery and power struggles introduced here promise exciting developments for future installments.
Taj’s Sabbatical is a thrilling read that combines speculative science fiction with personal drama. Fans of fast-paced action, intricate world-building, and morally complex characters will find much to enjoy. It’s perfect for readers who love blending futuristic settings with tales of loyalty and rebellion. For those who relish a blend of humor, tech-savvy adventure, and emotional stakes, this book is a solid pick. I’m looking forward to seeing where the Sol System Enforcer Chronicles takes us next.
Pages: 282 | ASIN : B0CPNYYDMT
Cargo Hold 4
Cargo Hold 4, by Lonnie Busch, is an engaging piece of science fiction that plunges readers into a suspenseful and eerie journey through space. The story follows the crew of the spaceship Gretel, tasked with collecting samples from distant planets for research. However, their mission takes a terrifying turn when strange, roaring noises aboard the ship spark a series of unsettling discoveries. Captain Desna and her crew quickly realize they are unprepared for the revelations that lie ahead. As members of her team are affected by these mysterious events, Desna faces mounting pressure and growing fear about the fate she’s leading them toward.
Busch’s writing style is captivating, drawing readers in with vivid descriptions and a perfect blend of sci-fi, horror, and suspense. The way he builds tension is masterful—some moments left me truly unsettled, forcing me to take a break just to catch my breath. The technical aspects of the futuristic world are woven seamlessly into the plot, adding depth and excitement to the narrative. Busch’s detailed explanations of the spaceship’s technology were fascinating, and they enhanced the story without overwhelming it. The pacing is tight, and the sense of dread steadily escalates throughout, making it hard to put down.
One of the most striking elements of the book is how it plays with shock and horror. There’s a disturbing intensity to certain scenes that left me both riveted and unnerved. While some moments felt gory and unsettling, they served to heighten the story’s tension and keep me on edge. The ending, in particular, is haunting—it left me in deep contemplation, still processing the layers of what I had just read. The characters are equally well-crafted, and Busch uses them to explore thought-provoking ethical questions, adding depth to the story’s overall impact.
Cargo Hold 4 is a gripping and unsettling sci-fi thriller that blends horror and suspense with a powerful narrative. Lonnie Busch has created a world that is not only immersive but also leaves readers questioning the boundaries of science and ethics. It’s the kind of book that keeps you hooked from the first page but also lingers long after you’ve finished. I highly recommend it to fans of science fiction who enjoy a touch of horror and the thrill of exploring the unknown.
Pages: 254 | ASIN : B0D5BP6ZRW
The Lightning in the Collied Night
David Backman’s Lightning in the Collied Night plunges readers into a near-future world on the brink of collapse. Humanity faces mounting crises brought on by climate change and geopolitical instability, and a group of scientists embarks on a bold mission to harness the power of a newly discovered wormhole, in a desperate bid to secure the survival of the human race.
The novel introduces a diverse ensemble of characters, each wrestling with both the harsh realities of their world and their personal demons. Their stories unfold against the backdrop of advanced physics and space exploration, interwoven with the Hawaiian tradition of ho’oponopono, a spiritual practice offering reconciliation and healing. This unexpected cultural element provides a counterbalance to the cold, scientific ambition driving much of the narrative, creating a unique blend of hope amid the chaos. Backman crafts a vivid and unsettling vision of the future, where the consequences of humanity’s environmental neglect are laid bare in deeply personal ways. His characters are complex and carefully developed, their emotional arcs both moving and relatable as they navigate a world on the edge of ruin. These individuals are the heart of the story, elevating it beyond its dystopian setting into something deeply human. While the novel’s scope is vast and its themes are layered with philosophical depth, it may challenge readers unfamiliar with speculative fiction. Yet, Backman’s talent for intricate character development and his ability to pose profound ethical questions make the story captivating and thought-provoking.
Lightning in the Collied Night transcends its speculative science fiction roots. It offers a powerful meditation on environmental destruction and personal responsibility, with its strongest appeal found in the emotional journeys of its characters. Backman’s ability to weave together complex narrative threads makes this novel an essential read for fans of speculative fiction and those who appreciate thought-provoking storytelling.
Pages: 310 | ASIN : B0DDDYHGJY
Utcan’s Talisman
Utcan’s Talisman by Stella Atrium, the fifth installment in the Tribal Wars series, immerses readers in the adventurous journey of Bybiis el Putuki, a young woman entangled in daring exploits and complex political intrigues. Alongside her friend Opin, Bybiis faces the formidable challenge of resisting the manipulative intentions of the Khalif, who seeks to exploit Opin’s healing abilities for his own gain. Their escape leads them to a quaint fishing village, where they encounter new allies and reunite with Jesse Hartley. As Jesse and Hershel Henry attempt to rekindle their past connection, they must navigate the changes that time has wrought. Meanwhile, the escalating tension and peril in Utica force its inhabitants to defend their lives, even if it means defying their leaders.
Through Bybiis’s experiences, readers are drawn into Utica’s rich history and culture. Bybiis emerges as a compelling protagonist—resourceful, courageous, and unwavering in her loyalty. Her internal struggles with identity and belonging add depth to her character. The world-building in this novel is exceptional, painting a vivid picture of Utica as a city that is both familiar and otherworldly, with intricate details that enhance its allure. Atrium skillfully intertwines themes of identity, belonging, and the pursuit of knowledge as Bybiis navigates her place in the world and uncovers hidden truths. The plot is dynamic, filled with unexpected twists that keep readers thoroughly engaged. Despite the large cast of characters, each is relatable, though some may find the abrupt introductions challenging to follow. The novel’s exploration of the tension between tradition and progress is both thought-provoking and relevant, offering insights that resonate with contemporary issues. The book’s complexity can be daunting, especially at the outset, where the storyline takes time to unfold.
Utcan’s Talisman offers a rich, engaging narrative that will captivate fans of the series. Readers will be drawn into the rich world the author has created and find themselves deeply immersed in the story as it unfolds waiting to see where the characters’ paths take them next.
Pages: 416 | ASIN : B0D98LQ75B
Vitalerium: Descent into the Void
Vitalerium: Descent into the Void by Nicholas Keating Casbarro is a captivating sci-fi epic that transports readers to the year 2701, where humanity’s fate was irrevocably altered six centuries earlier with the discovery of vitalerium. This extraordinary substance, invaluable beyond measure, paved the way for space travel and the colonization of distant planets. Among these, Planet Deorum stands as the pinnacle of human achievement. Set against this futuristic backdrop, we are introduced to Roman Matthews, a rogue criminal who lives by his own code. Roman’s life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes entangled in a vast conspiracy and finds himself hunted by the Coalition for Prosperity, a powerful government entity with a hidden, sinister agenda. Joined by a group of unlikely allies, Roman is thrust into a high-stakes struggle where the future of civilization hangs in the balance.
Casbarro’s novel evokes the spirit of classic sci-fi, reminiscent of the works of William Gibson, while also drawing comparisons to the adventurous tones of Guardians of the Galaxy and Star Wars. Roman Matthews, with his tough demeanor and self-serving attitude, may remind readers of the iconic space rogue Han Solo. Yet, beneath his hardened exterior, Roman harbors a sense of empathy for those oppressed by the Coalition for Prosperity, making him a complex and relatable protagonist. The Coalition, with its vision of a Utopian society, serves as the primary antagonist, but its version of utopia is far from universally accepted. Roman and his companions, despite their own self-interests, find themselves in the unexpected role of protectors. While this role may not come naturally to them, they recognize the need to act when their own survival aligns with the fight against oppression. If they fail, a splinter faction of the Coalition threatens to impose a form of totalitarianism that is as relevant to our present day as it is to this imagined future.
Vitalerium: Descent into the Void is more than just a tale of space exploration and futuristic technology; it’s a story that reflects timeless struggles against tyranny and the fight for freedom. Casbarro masterfully blends the excitement of science fiction with themes that resonate deeply with contemporary issues, making this novel a thought-provoking and exhilarating read.
Pages: 614 | ASIN : B0D9HSZGQ4
We Need Inclusion
Boom follows a recently released from prison space Captain and a group of cadets with disabilities who must now save the Earth from all the different species looking to go to war. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have family with severe disabilities. I’ve grown up with people with disabilities. I’ve worked extensively with people with disabilities, raised money for organizations that serve people with disabilities. I’ve seen a lot of ignorant and hateful people on the matter. For instance, I worked at an amusement park, and my sister wanted to go on a ride. She waited her turn like everybody to get on and she took some special accommodation. There was this heartless (no other word for it) jerk in line who was raising a ruckus because he didn’t like that the ride operators and park staff were going out of their way to help my sister enjoy her visit just like everybody else. One of my supervisors had had enough and kicked the guy out of the line. When the guy got violent, he got kicked out of the park. I’ve seen a lot of people with so much hate towards people with disabilities simply because they need a little extra help. I knew this story needed one of those hateful people at the center of it, and I knew he needed to come from some sort of banishment, but I also needed him to be really good at what he did and pompous enough to know how good he was.
What was your inspiration for the characters’ interactions and backstories?
The people around me who have had disabilities. Although people without disabilities aren’t always aware of it, people who do have disabilities have goals and aspirations as well. Sometimes, I think that many who see disabilities from the outside see the people with them off in some sort of la-la land where everything is just rainbows and butterflies. People with mental disabilities want to reach success just like anyone else. They might not have logic that everyone can follow, but they have logic, and it makes sense when others take time to understand how self-realization might work for someone who doesn’t connect with other people as easily because of a disability. I wanted to show a hint of that drive to attain goals. We have a character who wants to prove herself, but anxiety gets in the way. We have a character who has been pawned off to a career in engineering because it kept her busy. She’s really good at it, but it’s not what she wants to do, and no one’s ever taken the time help her connect with what she wants to do. We have a man with unsteady hands who other pilots can’t keep up with. The book even presents characters with disabilities that never get revealed so we can even see what it’s like interacting with people who have never even been diagnosed for whatever reason they never saw that they had a disability.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Inclusion is by far the biggest one. I get really annoyed when I watch all these futuristic space travel movies and they act like having disabilities is something that needed to be cured. It really says something about how well we understand the spirit and resolve that people with disabilities can inspire within others. In these types of shows, we see disabilities used as a novelty gimmick to make someone seem more alien than human, and we see the disability ultimately serve a purpose of showing why a person shouldn’t be ashamed of who they are, but the person with a disability is always portrayed as someone who is well-spoken and the equivalent of having fifteen Ph.Ds. I’m not aware of any space adventure where the bridge includes a person with a developmental or mental disability. Today’s society is so outspoken about including others, that we get hung up on it being about skin color, religious beliefs, ideologies. Space travel has always approached inclusion and oppression from looking at other worlds and alien races, but it tends to exclude people with disabilities from their own race by making disabilities something that needed to be cured so it was prior to the start of whatever space adventure we’re embarking on.
Another theme is how people deal with imposter syndrome, and not just people with disabilities, but everyone. This is a story about an entire crew of people who aren’t supposed to be there, all the way from the highest command down, and everyone is just trying to step up without looking like they don’t belong.
One theme deals with pro-choice vs. pro-life. It’s not heavily discussed, but it’s there throughout the book.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
So, since releasing Boom in September, I’ve released a two-volume set of books aimed at helping university students navigate college life and study approaches better. I wrote it with Elyse Kunzler who was a former composition student of mine and we presented a student vs. teacher set of perspectives. Volume one, entitled Jello Freeways, explores 10 behaviors that students use to sabotage their own efforts. Volume two, entitled Steering Classes of Cliffs, discusses 10 ways that professors sabotage their students’ ability to succeed in the college setting. Each book presents one of the behaviors and it shows the behavior and consequences of the practice from both the professor’s view and also the student’s.
I’m also working on the next in the series for Boom as well as a religious-fantasy story that dives into the Book of Revelations from The Bible.
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Naturally, every species in the galaxy wants her.
Earth’s prime admiral pardons “Barbarian” Captain Vincenti Merrecci from prison to prepare a new ship and crew for imminent war.
When The Divide attacks before his ship is ready, Merrecci finds help from the only people he managed to save during the attack: The cadets from the program for students with disabilities—the very people he argues should not be allowed in the academy.
BOOM
Boom by David Fairchild presents a humorous take on science fiction, reminiscent of the whimsical yet insightful narratives often found in works by English author Terry Pratchett. Fairchild’s novel artfully blends the elements of space adventure and comedy, creating an experience akin to watching “Spaceballs” – where the characters, including the ostensibly villainous ones, maintain a lighthearted demeanor throughout their cosmic escapades. The story’s humor shines through, proving that wit and laughter can be effectively woven into a science-fiction setting.
Set against the backdrop of interstellar politics and cosmic powers, the novel follows Prime Admiral Shade’s decision to release Captain Vincenti Merrecci from prison to combat the looming threat of the Divide Coalition. The twist of fate that forces Merrecci to crew his ship with disabled cadets adds a rich layer of character development and emotional depth to the narrative. This aspect, where seemingly underestimated individuals demonstrate their worth, echoes the heartwarming themes seen in films like “Little Giants” and “The Mighty Ducks.”
While I enjoyed the story’s expansive scope, the book’s length, nearing 600 pages, might benefit from a more concise treatment of secondary and tertiary plot lines. Streamlining these aspects could enhance the overall pacing and focus of the narrative. However, this is a small consideration in the grand scheme.
Boom by David Fairchild excels in delivering sharp dialogue, believable character arcs, and a fulfilling conclusion. Fans of space opera and comedic science fiction will find Boom a delightful read, offering both humor and a thoughtful exploration of human resilience and ingenuity.
Pages: 689 | ASIN : B0CJ7TP6K5
Capable of Big Dreams
In T-Rex and Tuck Explore Outer Space, a young boy and his pet dinosaur teach readers about celestial bodies while embarking on an imaginary journey into outer space. What inspired you to write this children’s book?
The inspiration for the entire T-Rex and Tuck Explore series comes from my son, Tucker. He has always been fascinated with outer space and the moon. He received a telescope for his birthday last year which inspired this particular story.
Imagination is such an integral part of childhood. Are any of your own childhood imaginings part of T-Rex and Tuck’s story?
I remember having a love for outer space facts when I was a child. There was one book in particular that was a favorite of mine because of the sheer size of the book. It was approximately 20×16 and with the pictures of different types of galaxies and planets, I have always found it all awe-inspiring. I would use that book and pretend to teach my students (at the time that meant my baby dolls) about the universe. So, I guess with those childhood memories along with my son’s interest, this book was destined to exist.
What is one thing you would like young readers to take away from this book?
I hope this story inspires young readers to use their imagination. Pretend play is such an important part of childhood. I hope every reader takes away the belief in themselves at the end of the story as well. I end all of my books and my in-person readings with positive affirmations. “I am brave. I am strong. I am smart. I am kind.” I truly hope as my author journey continues that one of the biggest takeaways for all readers is a belief that they are capable of big dreams.
Can we expect to see more from T-Rex and Tuck soon? When will your next book be available?
I am very excited about the next T-Rex and Tuck book that will be available in time for the holidays. T-Rex and Tuck Explore the Kitchen is the title of book 3. T-Rex and Tuck bake a cake with Tuck’s mom. They not only make a delicious cake but quite a mess as well. This particular story will help young readers understand the importance of patience and how much fun baking can be especially when you do it with people you love.
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